Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

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Mural Unveiling at Miguel Contreras Learning Center May 2012

On May 8th, MCLA attended the unveiling of "Gente de Maiz" by Judy Baca and SPARC, at the Miguel Contreras Learning Center (MCLC). In attendance were artists Judithe Hernandez, Anna Siqueiros, muralist Kent Twitchell, and Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa. The students from MCLC worked with Baca’s UCLA students to create a unique mural in the center's cafeteria. The 18ft x 33ft digital mural was printed using an innovative new process developed at SPARC’s studios, and was installed permanently at the school.

MCLA had the pleasure of hosting a tour for the mentorship program, Arts Professionals Advisor Link (APAL), Emerging Arts Leadership for Los Angeles. MCLA’s executive director, Isabel Rojas-Williams is a mentor to this program that allows for young professionals to work with experienced art experts in varying fields to ascertain valuable networking skills and experience. The mentees, which includes Isabel’s mentee Betty Avila, were able to hear from Steve Grody, writer of “Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles and Art” and expert on the history of Graffiti and its evolution in Los Angeles.

With the end “Urban Legends”, the Estria Foundation (organizer of the event) hosted a proclamation ceremony that included the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles. The ceremony spotlighted some of the notable artists that were part of the event, including Kent Twitchell, Judy Baca, Tempt One, and Jim Prigoff. The Proclamation Certificate by the City of Los Angeles and Councilmember Tom LaBonge, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the City of LA.

MCLA's Executive Director, Isabel Rojas-Williams and artist Judithe Hernandez were invited by Dr. Valerie Taylor to offer a lecture to Pasadena City College students. Isabel spoke about the importance of muralism in Los Angeles and MCLA's mission to save L.A.'s mural legacy. Judithe Hernandez spoke about the Getty's Pacific Standard Time Exhibitions, her role during the 1970's Chicano Art Movement and about art collectives of the 1970s such as ASCO & "Los Four," of which Judithe was the only female member.

Artist of the Month: Noni Olabisi

Regarding her inspiration for her mural "Freedom Won't Wait". "It’s phenomenal how murals are birthed. You think it’s something you are doing but actually, it’s an Interplay of everyone around you, and the spirit inside of you." Read her entire interview herePictured above is Noni Olabisi and her mural "Freedom Won't Wait".

In This Issue...

Mural Tour in Arts District in Downtown LA!

Featured artist of the month: Noni Olabisi

Honoring Willie Middlebrook

Upcoming MCLA Mural Tours:

MCLA actively organizes mural tours throughout Los Angeles as a way to connect communities directly with these important public works. Follow MCLA on Facebook or visit our events page to stay up-to-date on upcoming mural tours throughout Los Angeles!

In celebration of our recent mural restorations, we are now offering a FREE membership with the purchase of a $20 mural tour in theArts District in Downtown LASaturday June 30th 11:30 am - 1:00 pm905 E. 2nd Street

Not available on this date? No problem! We will be hosting several mural tours to our supporters, so keep an eye out for future invitations.

It is with heavy hearts we share that beloved muralist Willie Middlebrook, an inspiration and mentor to so many, has passed. Although our art community has lost one of its best, Willie will continue to be an inspiration to all of us forever. We wish much love and peace to the Middlebrook family.

Originally painted in 1994, this mural was created early in Eliseo Art Silva’s career as an artist. This restoration was sponsored in part by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT). His piece was recognized by the City of Los Angeles as the largest Filipino American mural in the United States.

MCLA attended the unveiling of “Venice West” by Francisco Letelier and Marybeth Fama. This piece was created as a tribute to the history of Venice, and its poets. Featured in the mural are Stuart Perkoff (founder of Venice West Cafe) and Philomene Long (poet laureate of Venice). Designated a city historic-cultural monument from 1958-1966, the Venice West Cafe served as a gathering place for disciples of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and other cultural pioneers, including the Door's Jim Morrison and Ray Manzeraek.